Locky's backup

MACKAY'S Broncos connection is set to help the NRL heavyweights fire up for another big season in 2012.

Fullback Josh Hoffman and his cousin Dane Gagai are among a group of rising young players who will help take the club through the post-Darren Lockyer period, Broncos legend Allan Langer said yesterday.

The Broncos, Test and State of Origin captain will play his last game of rugby league when he lines up for the Kangaroos in the Four Nations final against England on Sunday, and Langer said he would be sadly missed.

"He's had a marvellous career and hopefully he'll end up with a win over there," Langer said.

Langer will be in Mackay this weekend to attend several fundraising events, including tomorrow night's sportsmen's dinner at the Old Railway Hotel and the Tradies Fight Night in aid of Mackay PCYC at Candlestick Park basketball stadium on Saturday.

While Langer said it was impossible to replace a player such as Lockyer, the Broncos were well-served in rising young players who would continue to make them a force in the NRL.

"I'd be disappointed if we don't make the finals again," he said.

"Josh had a setback with injury going into the finals last season but he's been running and training, he's looking good.

"Dane had a few first grade games for us last season and played very well.

"I think he's put on a few more kilos in the off-season and I'm sure we'll see him a lot more in the first grade.

"It's always good to see country lads come down and make a go of it."

Langer will be joined by jockey Malcolm Johnston and State of Origin originals Graham Eadie and Colin Scott for this weekend's fundraising events.

His brother Kevin, who is helping to organise the events, said the Tradies Fight Night was shaping up as another big event with 22 fights on the card.